And we are?

Hello! I am Alex the creator of Jack the Silly-Yak and a fellow Aussie with three auto-immune diseases. It was my experience as a young teen being diagnosed with Chronic Illness and how I could't find positive and accurate representation of people like me that inspired SILLY-YAK.  

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What Chronic Illnesses do I have? Well, thank you for asking, I have Coeliac Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis with a side of A.D.D and occasional flare ups of Vasculitis. I like to say I don't collect stamps or magnates but I do collect diseases...   

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Since being diagnoses in 2011 I have grown to understand my illnesses through supportive family, friends and finding the right medical team I have been empowered to have my diseases fit into my life and not the other way around. It is this empowerment and representation that I am creating through Jack the Silly-Yak to provide a space for the whole community, to learn and connect for more cohesion and understanding around Chronic Illness. Starting at the most important people the Silly-Yaks (aka kids) speaking with them and packaging information in a way that engages them through play and creativity.

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I have been creating immersive and interactive community based theatre for over 10 years. With projects being engaging and educational for ensemble members and audiences alike. My experience ranges from performance in screen and stage, stage managing and directing, writing, performing and recording music, film crew, live long form improvisation, clowning, workshop leading and mentorship.

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Throughout my career I have gained connections to ABC Heywire, Justine Clarke, Green Frog Productions, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Coeliac Australia and continue to grow my community.

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Jack the Silly-Yak is only starting and our goal is to have a character for every chronic illness that an Aussie child encounters so they like all the children with Coeliac Disease can be empowered and inspired.